Battery Grip Protective Device for Cameras, Video Recorders, and Other Electronic Devices

ABSTRACT

In one example, we have a rubber skin that fits a range of battery grips. It has a number of cut-outs that allow the material to stretch and accommodate different cameras (or sizes/models), and also, access the different camera control locations, knobs, or buttons. This can apply to video recorders or any electronic devices, in general. This provides protection for device, for impact, scratch, or water, for example. In addition, it provides easy access or change of battery. Thus, convenience, adjustability, and protection are provided at the same time. Many other variations and extensions are also discussed in the specification and figures. In addition, the skin can be solid/rigid or soft. Furthermore, using a band or Velcro, with multiple pieces or attached pieces, one can easily adjust the sizes for different cameras or models.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to the following co-pending applications,with some common inventors, and same exact assignee: (The teaching ofall the applications below are incorporated herein by reference.)

Also: CIP of the following case: U.S. application Ser. No. 11/695,625,filed 4-3-07.

U.S. application Ser. No. 11/696,740, filed 4-5-07.

U.S. application Ser. No. 11/695,624, filed 4-3-07.

BACKGROUND

The cameras or video recorders, especially expensive cameras, needprotection against impact, heat, sun, dirt, moisture, and water. Thus, aprotective outer layer of skin or armor is a very important feature oncameras or video recorders (or any other electronic gadgets anddevices). In this invention, we concentrate on Battery Grip Armor. Inone embodiment, we have a rubber skin that fits a range of batterygrips. This is the same or similar material as our main camera armor,described in our earlier disclosure. It has a number of cut-outs thatallow the material to stretch and accommodate different cameras and alsoaccess the different camera control locations. Some of the related priorart are listed here:

-   -   Okuda, U.S. Pat. No. 7,057,660 teaches a digital camera having a        camera body, a shutter release button, a photographic optical        system, a display cover, a lens/strobe flash cover, a non-skid        grip pits/projection, a mode dial, operation buttons, indication        lamps, a display screen, and a strobe flashing unit. When the        camera is not in-use, the display screen is covered by the        display cover and a lens of the photographic optical system and        the strobe flashing unit are covered by the lens/strobe flash        cover to provide protection to such features. The lens/strobe        flash cover is mechanically coupled to the display cover via a        coupling mechanism such as a gear mechanism or a link mechanism        or a chain/wire mechanism, or a combination of those mechanisms.        An electric power switch to turn on and off an electric power        supply to operate the digital camera is activated coupled to the        movement of the display cover and the lens/strobe flash cover.    -   Lamphron, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,521, teaches a camera        comprising a particular device (such as an electronic flash        unit) that requires electrical energy to operate, a power switch        capable of being changed from a normal state to a working state        in order to provide electrical power to the device and biased to        return to the normal state, and a protective cover (such as a        lens cover) that changes the power switch from the normal state        to the working state as the protective cover is moved from being        closed to being open, is characterized in that the protective        cover is supported for manual movement when open, without being        moved to close, to change the power switch from the normal state        to the working state when the power switch has returned to the        normal state.    -   Hayakawa, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,348, teaches a waterproof        and/or water-resistant camera including a movable photographing        lens barrel which moves in the optical axis direction of the        camera, an air breathing passage for connecting the interior and        the exterior of the camera, an air-permeable and        water-impermeable filter provided in the air breathing passage,        and a protection cover which covers the air-permeable and        water-impermeable filter to constitute an air connecting        assembly for the air-permeable and water-impermeable filter.    -   Tsuboi, U.S. Pat. No. 4,595,268, teaches a lens protection cover        being contained within a barrel ahead of the objective lens, and        opening and closing of this lens protection cover is performed        by an actuator operable along the periphery of the lens barrel,        whereby it is possible not only to protect the objective lens        when not in use, but also to permit camera operation to be        controlled by the open and closed positions of the lens        projection cover so that faulty operation is prevented.

However, none of the above teaches the features of the currentapplication and invention, as described below.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, we have a rubber skin that fits a range of batterygrips. This is the same or similar material as our main camera armor,described in our earlier disclosure. It has a number of cut-outs thatallow the material to stretch and accommodate different cameras and alsoaccess the different camera control locations.

This is an improvement to the current state-of-the-art. It provides moreprotection for the device, in terms of water, impact, and scratchresistance, for example.

It also features plug-in covers for gaps, plus any or all of the below(in combination with our other disclosures/inventions, described before,in our co-pending applications):

-   -   a. Double layer (with ultra thin layer on inside and/or also        outside),    -   b. Zip Lock features around the holes,    -   c. Hot shoe drape over top of camera,    -   d. Finger Condom.

To customize for one model, all of the access points and holes/plugs arepredetermined. However, in another embodiment, to apply to 2 or moremodels, the access points and holes/plugs are usually more than needed,to get all the models covered. In addition, there are extra plugs orcovers, to hide and cover the unused access points. To compensate forthe different sizes, one uses an elastic material or stretchablematerial, or alternatively, uses the folded skin, or a skinsewed/stapled/attached to the elastic band.

As another embodiment, we are introducing an elastomeric skin, whichcovers the battery grip and provides protection against dirt and generalwear-and-tear on the battery grip. The skin covers many, most, or allsurfaces and replicates the existing battery grip buttons withelastomeric/rubber buttons, which the user can press on, to activate allthe existing functions of the camera, without exposing the buttons toany dirt or moisture. The skin has both open and “open-able” areas, toallow the user access to functional areas on the camera or videorecorder battery grip (in this example), e.g. to replace the battery ormemory card, if they exist within the battery grip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows armor applied to the battery.

FIG. 2 shows holes and access points, for predicting and providing, inadvance, different access points for different cameras, so that it canfit and satisfy the shape and configuration of many cameras in themarket.

FIG. 3 shows the battery grip/armor, on battery, alone.

FIG. 4 is a different view/variation for FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a different view/variation for FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a different view/variation for FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a different view/variation for FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 shows a different view/variation for FIG. 3. In one embodiment,it has a rubber shell for shock absorption and protection of camera.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows armor applied to the battery grip. FIG. 2 shows holes andaccess points, for predicting and providing, in advance, differentaccess points for different camera battery grips, so that it can fit andsatisfy the shape and configuration of many camera battery grips in themarket. It also shows the battery grip. In one embodiment, the materialis flexible, to be able to stretch and fit others, as well. It alsoreduces the cost of production, and cost to consumers.

FIG. 3 shows the battery grip/armor, on battery grip, alone, withoutbeing attached to the camera. FIG. 4 is a different view/variation forFIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a different view/variation for FIG. 3. It shows thathow easy it is to change the battery, with the armor on it. FIG. 6 is adifferent view/variation for FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a different view/variation for FIG. 3. In one embodiment, itdisplays the logo through an opening, similar to the access points forother knobs and buttons, as well as other places/things to access on thecamera, by the user. In one embodiment, it uses Velcro band, for thebottom of the unit, for attachment. In one embodiment, other equivalentmaterial and devices, such as belt, string, cable, or hook, could beused, instead. It indicates ease of attachment and flexibility, plusadjustability to fit other models.

FIG. 8 shows a different view/variation for FIG. 3. In one embodiment,it has a rubber shell for shock absorption and protection of camera. Inone embodiment, it indicates where it sticks to the battery grip. In oneembodiment, it can be adhered. In one embodiment, it is 1 piece, only.In one embodiment, it is 2 pieces, or more. This makes it moreadjustable, for size, and for different models. The Velcro connectingdifferent pieces, or other means of attachment, can be adjusted fordifferent sizes, distances, or dimensions, to grab the device verytightly, for many models, to have a good impact protection for thedevice, as well as being scratch resistant.

The upgrade kit, optional, has a set of plugs for different size ofholes. It can be for media opening, battery opening, or general purpose.

In one embodiment, the water flaps cover openings. In one embodiment,the flaps could be removed or pulled away or out. In one embodiment, therest of the cover is permanent. In one embodiment, the skin looks likeshingles, or fish's scales, in which one layer partially coveringprevious layer, but the whole arrangement can be loose, orattached/rigid. In one embodiment, one uses flexible membrane for thefinger condom, on the skin of the device.

In general, whatever we mentioned above, or below, can be applied to thevideo cameras or any electronic devices, as well.

In one embodiment, one can add a belt clip to the camera skin, so thatit could be worn on the belt. Also, the skin itself (without anyadditional parts) can be wrapped over a belt, so that it can be worn bya user on his belt. Also, the skin can be attached to the belt, pants,skirt, shirt, or purse, with a string, tether, band, belt, or chain,through the skin, on the skin, in-between the skin (e.g. a pocket), orinside the skin.

In one embodiment, one can add different designs, text, and patternsinside or outside of the skin, for decoration, advertisement,instructions, or convenience of the user.

In one embodiment, the skin is made of one or more of the followingmaterials or structures: plastic, elastic material, nylon,bubble-protection material, layered material, soft material, syntheticmaterial, shock absorbent material, hard material, solid material,liquid-containing material, gas-containing material,pressurized-gas-containing material, balloon-type material, inflatablematerial, gel-type material, natural material, leather, water-proofmaterial, oil-protected surface, paper, cardboard, stretchable material,elastic band network, net-shape material, magnetic material, metallicmaterial, metallic chain, array of metallic rings, multi-dimensionalstructure, folded structure, hinges, hinged plates, hinged micro-plates,connected tiles, Lego-shaped material, brick-shaped material, ceramictiles, stone tiles, artificial material tiles, glass tiles, transparentmaterial, translucent material, reflective material, fluorescentmaterial, metal-plated material, painted material, rug, woven material,bamboo, carpet material, wooden material, sticks, insulation material,water-cooling jacket, air-cooling jacket, heating-element jacket,insulation jacket, or any similar, compound, chemical, or compositematerial.

In one embodiment, the skin includes (in, attached to, or on it) one ormore of the following items: a picture frame, clock, notebook,calculator, solar cell array, battery, pen holder, pen, pencil, magneticplate, magnetic decoration, light, LED, LCD, display, small TV, smallradio, thermometer, pressure gauge, biometric sensor, thumb/fingerprintrecognition module, combination lock, lock, Velcro, hook-and-loop,password entry input, small keyboard, input device, pointing device,speaker, microphone, small telephone set, keychain ring, hook (forhanging the unit), small video game, music player, downloading unit(from Internet or satellite), wireless unit, communication unit,antenna, small computer, small web browser, recorder, or any otherelectronic or mechanical device, apparatus, system, toy, decoration, orequipment.

Inflatable Skin Cover, as an Embodiment, to Fit (Almost) any Size Camera

In one embodiment, the skin cover comprises multiple layers. In oneembodiment, the skin cover is inflatable. In one embodiment, the skincover is inflated using one or more of the following, or combination ormixture of the following: gas, liquid, solid, dust, gel-type,liquidated-solid, pressurized fluid, water-absorbent sponge, sponge-typematerial, or any expandable solid, liquid, fluid, chemical, gas, ormaterial, caused by chemical reaction, heat, temperature variation,catalyst, chain reaction, exceeding critical mass, seed material,mixing, or pressure.

In one embodiment, the size or shape of said skin cover is adjustedbased on the size, model, or type of the camera battery grip. In oneembodiment, the inflation is adjusted based on the size, model, or typeof the camera battery grip. In one embodiment, the size or shape of saidskin cover is adjusted by one or more of the following, or a combinationof the following: a user, a computer, feedback from one or more sensors,feedback module, pressure gauges at different points, data about themodel number or type of said camera or camera battery grip, data aboutthe dimensions or weight of said camera or camera battery grip, fuzzylogic system, a training module, or a neural network module. In oneembodiment, the skin cover has multiple parts or chambers, each of whichcan be optimized, or inflated separately, or in concert, with respect toeach other.

In one embodiment, a database holds all the information about specificcameras, or camera battery grips, to inflate the components or partsaccordingly, to fit the camera. The more individual chamber or parts wehave (smaller chambers), the easier one can make it fit to the shape ofa specific camera battery grip. The chambers can be connected together,or can be individually inflated, independent of each other.

This embodiment is useful for semi-custom-made or generic skin cover, toact or behave as a custom-made skin cover (fit perfectly with thecamera).

Any other variation of the above teaching is also meant to be protectedby the current patent.

1. A battery grip armor or cover for a camera or video recorder, whereinsaid battery grip armor or cover comprises one or more holes, cutouts,or access points, for accessing different knobs, buttons, parts,chambers, or controls, on a battery pack of said camera or videorecorder, wherein said battery grip armor or cover holds or grips abattery, and wherein said battery is connected to or associated withsaid camera or video recorder.
 2. A battery grip armor or cover for acamera or video recorder, as recited in claim 1, wherein said batterygrip armor or cover is rigid.
 3. A battery grip armor or cover for acamera or video recorder, as recited in claim 1, wherein said batterygrip armor or cover is made of soft or flexible material.
 4. A batterygrip armor or cover for a camera or video recorder, as recited in claim1, wherein said battery grip armor or cover is made of multiple pieces.5. A battery grip armor or cover for a camera or video recorder, asrecited in claim 1, wherein said battery grip armor or cover is made ofonly one piece.
 6. A battery grip armor or cover for a camera or videorecorder, as recited in claim 4, wherein said multiple pieces areconnected or attached together, using band, Velcro, string, cable, hook,zipper, rope, or any connecting means.
 7. A battery grip armor or coverfor a camera or video recorder, as recited in claim 6, wherein saidbattery grip armor or cover is adjustable for different sizes, cameras,or models.
 8. A battery grip armor or cover for a camera or videorecorder, as recited in claim 3, wherein said battery grip armor orcover is adjustable for different sizes, cameras, or models.
 9. Abattery grip armor or cover for a camera or video recorder, as recitedin claim 1, wherein said battery grip armor or cover is made of shockabsorbent material.
 10. A battery grip armor or cover for a camera orvideo recorder, as recited in claim 1, wherein said battery grip armoror cover is made of water resistant material.
 11. A battery grip armoror cover for a camera or video recorder, as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid battery grip armor or cover holds or grips said battery duringbattery exchange or recharging.
 12. A battery grip armor or cover for acamera or video recorder, as recited in claim 1, wherein a logo, LCD, ordisplay is shown through said one or more holes, cutouts, or accesspoints.
 13. A battery grip armor or cover for a camera or videorecorder, as recited in claim 1, wherein said battery grip armor orcover comprises one or more flap covers or hinged skin pieces.
 14. Abattery grip armor or cover for a camera or video recorder, as recitedin claim 1, wherein said battery grip armor or cover comprises more than1 layers.
 15. A battery grip armor or cover for a camera or videorecorder, as recited in claim 14, wherein said battery grip armor orcover is inflatable.
 16. A battery grip armor or cover for a camera orvideo recorder, as recited in claim 15, wherein said battery grip armoror cover is filled with air, liquid, fluid, gas, powder, gel, foam,sponge, or hot fluid.
 17. A battery grip armor or cover for a camera orvideo recorder, as recited in claim 1, wherein said battery grip armoror cover comprises rubber shell, shock absorbing material, or bubblecushion.
 18. A battery grip armor or cover for a camera or videorecorder, as recited in claim 1, wherein said battery grip armor orcover is connected to, adjacent to, or attached to a cover or skinprotecting said camera or video recorder.
 19. A battery grip armor orcover for a camera or video recorder, as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid battery grip armor or cover is made of or comprises one or more ofthe following materials or structures: plastic, elastic material, nylon,bubble-protection material, layered material, soft material, syntheticmaterial, shock absorbent material, hard material, solid material,liquid-containing material, gas-containing material,pressurized-gas-containing material, balloon-type material, inflatablematerial, gel-type material, natural material, leather, water-proofmaterial, oil-protected surface, paper, cardboard, stretchable material,elastic band network, net-shape material, magnetic material, metallicmaterial, metallic chain, array of metallic rings, multi-dimensionalstructure, folded structure, hinges, hinged plates, hinged micro-plates,connected tiles, Lego-shaped material, brick-shaped material, ceramictiles, stone tiles, artificial material tiles, glass tiles, transparentmaterial, translucent material, reflective material, fluorescentmaterial, metal-plated material, painted material, rug, woven material,bamboo, carpet material, wooden material, sticks, insulation material,water-cooling jacket, air-cooling jacket, heating-element jacket,insulation jacket, or any similar material, compound, chemical, orcomposite material.
 20. A battery grip armor or cover for a camera orvideo recorder, as recited in claim 1, wherein said battery grip armoror cover is attached to one or more of the following items: a pictureframe, clock, notebook, calculator, solar cell array, battery, penholder, pen, pencil, magnetic plate, magnetic decoration, light, LED,LCD, display, small TV, small radio, thermometer, pressure gauge,biometric sensor, thumb or fingerprint recognition module, combinationlock, lock, Velcro, hook-and-loop, password entry input, small keyboard,input device, pointing device, speaker, microphone, small telephone set,keychain ring, hook, small video game, music player, downloading unit,wireless unit, communication unit, antenna, small computer, small webbrowser, recorder, or any electronic or mechanical device, apparatus,system, toy, decoration, or equipment.